01/03/08

Dolce finally arrives in the UK !!!! After a year long wait i am delighted to report that she arrived safe and sound and i couldn't be more pleased :0)) She is everything i had hoped for and more... beautiful plush face, perfect coat, big front and body, great angles and she is awesome moving. Best of all she has the most delightful personality and character and is Soooo clever! My eternal gratitude to Victoria for allowing her to come to the UK. Photos to follow soon.

With the same breath i am sad to report that Margo will not be shown again, sadly she has lost a front tooth and i felt that judges would not forgive the gaping hole left at the front of her mouth LOL! So she is enjoying life as a pet and house mouse ;) Her wins include American Champion at just 8 months of age, Best Puppy in Breed first time out in the UK at CRUFTS (30+ pups), Runner up overall Pet Plan Junior Stakes - Bournemouth (her third and last ever outing in the UK).

12/08/07

Margo ventures into the ring at Bournemouth Championship Dog Show - still with only 60% of her coat. To compete in her one and only chance to qualify for the prestigious Pet Plan Junior Stakes, where she moved and showed beautifully to Win her heat from a very large (30 plus) and very strong class of junior bitches from the Gundog and Utility Groups, returning the following day to finish Overall Runner Up from the three days of showing and from a total entry of almost 150 bitches - WoW!!!

I had some wonderful comments about her(ranging from 'She's Gorgeous' to 'She's Stunning' to 'She's absolutely Fantastic'!!!) from friends and other exhibitors from all breeds - thank you to all ;)))

Margo will be staying at home some more to finish growing her coat back in ;))

05/08/07

New Pictures of Margo; Am Ch Tsunami's Picture Perfect at 17 months and Dolce; Detor's Dolce Vita at just 4 months - go to the photo gallery for more....

20/07/07
ASC National Speciality 2007

DAY 1

Congratulations to Elena Sicurello and her Tsunami's Tripple Crown for winning their class in the ASCOB futurity, Lilly is half sister to Joshua and Margo.

Also Congratulations to Carte's Harry Potter on winning the Black Variety Futurity, this young boy is half sister to Ch Carte's Starless Night (dam to Dolce) Owner Breeder Carol Zelinski.

DAY 2

Congratulations to Cathy Carey and Baron aka Buttonwood's Royal Heir on taking Winners Dog at the ASC!!!! Baron is sired by Willie along with Joshua and Margo!

DAY 3

Josh and Margo congratulate aunty Elizabeth BISS Ch Buttonwoods Samamari Monarch on her BOS in Variety win at the ASC, and also their sire BIS BISS Ch Can Ch Buttonwoods Crown Royal on his BIVeteran Sweeps Win.

DAY 4

Aunty Elizabeth goes Best Opposite in Show at the ASC 2007 - Congratulations!!!!

15/06/07

BIGTOP would like to announce our latest new addition Dolce aka Detor's Dolce Vita, many thanks to her breeder Victoria Snowden for entrusting me with Dolce and for her generosity. Dolce will be joining us early next year and hopefully will be exhibited in the States before coming home. Learn more about her in Kennel Dogs.

Margo dropped her coat following Crufts and her first season and has been retired from the ring for the forseeable future until her coat grows back in - it's coming, very slowly ;)

Spencer is enjoying trying his hand at agility - and LOVING it LOL

08/03/07
On her UK show ring debut and at the biggest dog show in the world CRUFTS 2007- Margo aka Am Ch Tsunami's Picture Perfect Bigtop, wins her class and then went on to be declared BEST PUPPY in BREED!!!!! Her kennel mate Spencer aka Sh Ch Sundust Me Angus won the very same award at CRUFTS 2006. Spencer decided to stay at home this year ;-)

I am so thrilled for Margo's breeder Elena for this Awesome win ;-))))

Spencer - Sh Ch Sundust Me Angus would like to congratulate his half sister through their dam Sh Ch Sundust Me Black, Sh Ch Sundust Me To (Krista) on becoming the first FULL CHAMPION AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL for over 30 YEARS!!!!!!!!!

This fantastic achievement shows that this breed can still work in the field having both beauty and brains!!!! Krista is owned and was handled to her show title by her breeder Yvonne Knapper-Weijland and was handled and trained to her working trial certificate by Pam Wadsworth.

HUGE Congratulations to the very beautiful and astoundingly clever Krista - CH Sundust Me To

13/02/07
At the USA's most prestigious show of the year WESTMINSTER, the 2007 winners are - in ASCOBS - BIS, BISS, Am, Can Ch Buttonwood's Crown Royal - Willie, who at the age of 8 years takes the Variety in some HOT competition - Congratulations to Cathy Carey his breeder, owner and handler on this awesome win, Willie is of course sire to Joshua and Margo.

In Blacks, Best of Variety was BIS, BISS Am Ch, Sh Ch Afterglow Douglas Fashion who ended a fantasic year in the states with a number 5 top sporting with no less than 11 BIS wins in 2006, this follows his UK top dog All Breeds 2005 - Congratulations to his owners, his breeder and his handler. Douggie is sire to Spencer.

Congratulations also to the Parti BOV Ch My-ida-ho N Gems Graham Cracker.

There are some super new pictures of Spencer in the Photo Gallery, as well as showing off his beautiful head there are a number of fantastic moving shots showing just how spectacular this dog is on the move... probably the best moving dog in the UK... :o)

19/01/07
At the first shows of 2007 Joshua becomes Am Ch Tsunami's Diplomat, a new champion son for Catherine Carey's super boy Willie, Multi BIS, BISS Am / Can Ch Buttonwood's Crown Royal, who recently at the age of 8 won his veteran class at the ASC and made the final cut in the Variety !!!! Well done Willie! He also becomes another new Champion for his breeder Elena Sicurello of Tsunami Cocker Spaniels and for his moma Am Ch Tsunami's Extravaganza (Pepsi).

I am indebted to both Elena and Cathy for their help and generosity over these past 12 months and for allowing the UK to benefit from and share these very special bloodlines. Thank you both.

Joshua has finished at the age of 10 months with 3 Major wins, with his first major at the age of 7 months! This boy can really MOVE!!!! Thank you to Mike and Linda Pitts for their excellent care and presentation of Joshua and Margo through their USA campaign.

14-15/12/06

At the final weekend of showing in 2006 Joshua returns to the ring to go Res Winners Dog at Lorain KC Inc, followed by Back-to-Back 4pt Major wins with Best of Winners both days at Medina KC Inc and Richland KC Inc. Joshua is still just 9 months old.

09/12/06
She finally does it... Indy took her 3rd CC from an entry of 120 Newfies and with it became Champion Bigtops Great Reason. My heartfelt thanks to those judges who considered her worthy, all 3 breed specialists. Todays judge was Chris Drury. Indy has been very selectively shown over the past 2 years - i think she has been to only 15 shows in her entire life.

This win is extra special for me as she is home bred, I picked her out of a litter of 6 almost as they were born, she was always 'the one'. Her mother Rhea very sadly passed away from the dreaded bloat last year and is still missed...

Indy becomes my third Champion this year following in the footsteps of Spencer and Margo. Indy now retires from the show ring to become a well spoilt Newfie and Spencer's partner in crime!

18/11/06
Margo becomes Am Ch Tsunami's Picture Perfect in great style with a 4pt Major win from the 6-9 month class and taking Winners Bitch, Best of Winners and Best Opposite Sex in Variety over the Special. That is beating 18 dogs including adults. She is still only 8 months old!

HUGE congratulations go to her breeder Elena Sicurello and eternal gratitude for letting me have her, and also Congratulations to Cathy and Willie for another Champion, and thanks for making it possible.

09 - 12/11/06
What a weekend for both kids...

Joshua takes Winners Dog both days at Decatur Alabama KC Inc, with Margo taking Winners Bitch and Best Of Winners both days and Best of Variety on day 2! Margo goes onto take two more Winners Bitch and Best Opposite Sex in Variety at Huntsville KC Inc, with Joshua going Res Winners Dog both days.

Margo needs one more win to finish...

04 - 05/11/06
Margo does it again!!!

Winners Bitch at Marion KC and then Winners Bitch and Best of Winners for a 3 pt major win at NE Indiana KC show from 11 entries.

We are all so proud of this little girl! And she is still only 8 months old!

26/10/06
Spencer takes on an entry of 42 Show Champions in the Gundog Champion Stakes at Midland Counties Championship dog show and finishes a very credible 3rd under Gundog all rounder Mr Bryn Cadogan. This time handled by his Mom!

20/10/06
Third weekend showing for Margo (Joshua was left at home - again!) She took Winners Bitch, Best of Winners and Best of Variety at Mattoon KC Inc. then Res Winners Bitch at Illinois Capital KC Inc (Day 1) followed by Winners Bitch and Best Opposite Sex in Variety - Illinois Capital KC Inc. (Day 2). Well done Margo!

30/09/06
Second weekend showing for Margo (Joshua was left at home!) She took Winners Bitch and Best Opposite Sex in Variety at Greater Murfreesboro KC Inc. on day one and Res Winners Bitch on day 2. Well done Margo!

23/09/06
The very next day at their second ever show Atlanta KC Inc from a breed entry of 19 dogs, Joshua takes Winners Dog for his first Major with Margo taking Res Winners Bitch behind an 18 month old girl. Way to go Joshua!!!! (Pictures to follow soon...)

10/09/06
Following on from his awesome RBIS win at Birmingham, Spencer takes the RCC at Richmond... the breed judge was Hilda Parkinson.

Spencer is the current Top Winning American Cocker Spaniel for 2006 (Dog World points system) and still only 18 months old!

03/09/06
WOW what a day - Spencer takes his 3rd CC and with it becomes Show Champion Sundust Me Angus he then goes on to win Best of Breed. The breed judge was Erica Bluntstone. Then Spencer takes on the really strong Gundog Group with over 2400 entries and wins!!! Double WoW! He then goes to compete with the other group winners for Best In Show and takes the Reserve BIS spot from a total show entry of over 10,000 dogs. The group judge was Paulo Dondino and Best in Show was Roy Metcalfe.

'Spectacular on the move' - Roy Metcalfe

'Superb dominant movement' - Paulo Dondina

20/08/06
Spencer - Takes the RCC - his second at Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show, from a breed entry of 75 dogs.

The judge was breed specialist Leslie Swigciski.

12/08/06
Two weekends, two shows, 2CC's and 2 Best of Breeds!!!! Spencer does it again at Bournemouth Championship Dog Show, once again he made the Group Shortlist. The breed judge was Mr Bill Bunce.

Bill Bunce wrote – Sundust Me Angus - Found this dog a pleasure to go over and observe, the most superb shape of skull, bidable alert expression and kind eye, correct stop, ear placement and dentition, good reach of clean neck. Well ribbed body, correct short coupling and strength over the loin, his excellent balance between front and rear assemblies provide him a smooth, effortless, reaching and driving action while maintaining his superb topline and tailset thoughout, good substance in bone and musculature, covered the maximum ground with the minimum of effort, and outstanding specimen, so well prepared and presented, credit to his breeder and i am sure bodes well for the breed in this country.

5/08/06
Spencer - Wins the Challenge Certificate and Best of Breed at National Gundog Championship Show from a breed entry of 65 dogs. The judge was breed specialist Janice Caine. Spencer was also shortlisted in a very strong gundog group, and he is still just 17 months old.

8/07/06
Spencer - Sundust Me Angus - Takes the Res CC at South Wales Championship show from junior dog with a breed entry of 65 dogs. The judge was renouned international all rounder Mr Terry Thorn. Also on the day Spencer took 2nd in a huge Junior Stakes variety class (35+ dogs) under the respected Mr Geir Flyckt-Pederson.

Shhhhh..... these two are our BIG American secret.... news to follow..?!

Sire Multi BIS,BISS winner, USA and Canadian Champion, dam USA Champion, half sister to both 2005 UK top dog all breeds 'Douggie' and USA top winning ASCOB of all time 'Billy'. Top producing lines on both sides of this outstanding pedigree and permanent clear eyes throughout, including sire and all four grandparents (dam clear at 4 years), also OFA clearances for hips and patellas.

Keep your eyes on 'kennel dogs' for more details and pictures later this year....

12/03/06
Spencer - Sundust Me Angus - ends his puppy career in style by going Best Puppy in Breed at CRUFTS Dog show 2006.

21/05/05
WOW - Indy went to Scotland and was triumphant! From a breed entry of 98 Newfoundlands, Indy won the big open class and went on to take her 2nd CC!!! Not content with that she then challenged the best male and won Best of Breed! The judge was breed specialist Willie Dobbin over from Ireland.

06/05/05
Welcome to our latest new addition - ANGUS! aka Sundust Me Angus, photos and pedigree will be available soon. My gratitude goes to Yvonne Knapper - Weijland of Sundust American Cocker Spaniels for her generosity and trust in allowing us this very special little man in co-ownership.

05/05/05
Indy finally returns to the ring in FULL COAT, it has only taken 7 months to grow back! She took 3rd in a huge open bitch class (18 entries) under respected breed judge Hedd Richards, beaten only by the CC and Res CC winners.

30/01/05
At an all breeds International show in Turku, Finland - Dee Dee (Bigtop's Masquerade) became a Champion in Finland, Sweden and Estonia. WOW. She also took the CACIB her second, she needs two more for her International Champion title. Congratulations go to her co-owners Virpi and Arja Lummaa

22/07/04
At East of England Championship Show Indy continued her winning ways taking 1st place in the Graduate Bitch class under breed specialist Linda Sussams of Sealcove Newfoundlands.

Linda Sussams wrote – Bigtop's Great Reason - Looking on top form for her age. A superbly constructed very pretty girl with the most beautiful head and expression. Even at 13 months her head is balanced and has the look of a future big winner. Covered the ground with ease and drive.

11/07/04
At her 4th show and at the tender age of 13 months, Indy entered the ring at South Wales and owned it! She won Junior Bitch and then in the Challenge took the Bitch CC! From an entry of 126 Newfoundlands and approximately 70 bitches, including three Champion girls in the Open class! The judge was Carol Stuckey of the world famous Honeybears Newfoundlands - a real honour.

Carol Stuckey wrote –Bigtop's Great Reason - Beautifully proportioned bitch with a lovely head, nice dark eyes and sweet expression, good spring of rib, firm topline and well angulated, excellent profile movement also good coming and going, well presented coat not overdone in any way, would prefer more size but her overall quality won her the CC.

25/04/04
At her second show Indy followed last weeks triumph with another Best Puppy in Breed, from around 40 Newfoundland puppies entered at Welks Championship Show 2004. Sadly there was no Best Puppy in Show competition.

Jack Bispham wrote – Bigtop's Great Reason, a very impressive bitch with clean cut muzzle, good skull, eyes and ears. Strong neck, first class body shape well covered, sound front and rear, scores both when standing and on the move.